Overlay for gripping firearm

ABSTRACT

A grip for a firearm comprised of an outer layer formed of thermoplastic vulcanite, an intermediate layer having a higher surface energy than the thermoplastic vulcanite, and an inner layer of pressure sensitive adhesive.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/214,031, filed on Mar. 26, 2021, entitled “OVERLAY FOR GRIPPINGFIREARM,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/012,650, filed on Apr. 20, 2020, entitled “Overlayfor Gripping Firearm,” which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to elastomeric grips for firearms.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

The development of polymer-based firearms has become a noticeable trendin the firearms industry. Many new models of firearms are molded fromthermoplastics rather than fabricated from metal. Furthermore, grips orgripping surfaces are integral rather than removable/replaceable. Thislimits the user to seek alternate methods to customize the grippingsurfaces.

Adhesive (stick-on) grips are existing art and have been relevant formany years. Primarily, adhesive grips are composed of either grittysandpaper skateboard grip tape type or thin elastomeric material. Thegrit or elastomer is placed on one side for contact with the user andadhesive on the other side to attach to the firearm. These overlays aretypically very thin (<1 mm) providing a smaller handling size than aninjection molded thermoplastic type grip.

Currently the elastomeric adhesive products are manufactured utilizing avinyl-based material with a pressure sensitive adhesive attacheddirectly. Vinyl elastomer does indeed provide a soft pleasant surface;however, it is fairly slick feeling and does not exhibit the samefriction behavior compared to vulcanized rubber. Vulcanized rubber iswhat we use for car tires as it offers a high coefficient of friction,resulting in high traction. Conversely, we do not drive around on vinyltires or elastomers with less traction potential for obvious reasons.Grips for firearms would have a preferred feel and offer more control ifmade from vulcanized rubber.

The preferred embodiment addresses these concerns by providing a gripfor a firearm comprised of an outer layer formed of thermoplasticvulcanite, an intermediate layer having a higher surface energy than thethermoplastic vulcanite, and an inner layer of pressure sensitiveadhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the three layers of the overlay forgripping firearm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Currently the elastomeric adhesive products are manufactured utilizing avinyl-based material with a pressure sensitive adhesive attacheddirectly. Vinyl elastomer does indeed provide a soft pleasant surface;however, it is fairly slick feeling and does not exhibit the samefriction behavior compared to vulcanized rubber. Vulcanized rubber iswhat we use for car tires as it offers a high coefficient of friction,resulting in high traction. Conversely, we do not drive around on vinyltires or elastomers with less traction potential for obvious reasons.

Grips for firearms would have a preferred feel and offer more control ifmade from vulcanized rubber.

Vulcanized rubber is more costly to produce as polymer but TPV(ThermoPlastic Vulcanizate) is available and is cheaper to produceshapes and sheets from.

The known problem with utilizing TPV for adhesive grips is the surfaceenergy is poor relating to PSAs (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive).Therefore, the obvious solution is to use an elastomer that offers ahigher surface energy like vinyl.

What is not obvious and is the primary claim of this patent is aspecific, unique, multi-layer approach to allow both the preferred feelof TPV for the user and a higher surface energy for PSA to securelyadhere to the firearm.

The claimed overlay material is composed of more than two layers. Onelayer (the outer layer) being TPV, the second layer (middle “backer”)being a chemically compatible material with a higher surface energy thatis adhered to the TPV with heat and pressure during the extrusionprocess. Lastly, the inner layer is PSA. The PSA is applied immediatelyafter the middle layer is exposed to an electrified gas (known in theindustry as Corona Treatment) or flame to further increase its surfaceenergy to promote adhesion.

Normally, the surface energy of the backer measured in dyne units is arange of 32-40. It is our intention to claim a dyne level of 40-46 forthe bond between the backer and PSA. This is attainable by Coronatreating the backer material prior to the application of the PSA.

The TPV and backer are both of an olefin chemical base, e.g.,Polyethylene, Polypropylene.

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate can also be used as a backer.

The outer TPV layer hardness is a value of 30-90 on the Shore A scale.

This new overlay can be applied by the user to enhance the frictionalcontact of the human to the firearm. Any area of the firearm where theuser may come in contact is claimed.

I claim:
 1. A grip for a firearm comprising: an outer layer formed ofthermoplastic having a hardness value of 30-90 on a Shore A scale; anintermediate layer having a higher surface energy than thethermoplastic; an inner layer of pressure sensitive adhesive; and a dynelevel of 40-46 for a bond between the outer layer and the intermediatelayer.